The Oaks 87 



The acorns are very large as a rule, often larger than those of the red oak. 

 The kernel is sweet. The cup is peculiar in that the scales on the margin are 

 elongated and form a distinct fringe. 



Bur oak wood is often used locally in Canada in making axe and pick handles, 

 and vehicle stock. It is the hardest and toughest wood of the commercially im- 

 portant native oaks. 



QUERCUS MUEHLENBERGII, Engelm. CHINQUAPIN OAK 



Common names: Chinquapin oak, yellow oak*, chestnut oak. 

 French name: Chene chinquapin. 



The chinquapin oak in the forest sometimes reaches a height of 80 to 90 ft., or 

 more, but ordinarily, when growing in the open, it is a medium-sized tree 35 to 40 

 ft. in height and 1 to 2 ft. in diameter. The crown is composed of many branches, 

 and in shape is narrow with a rounded top. The wood when utilized in Canada is 

 sold with white oak. 



The bark is thin, grey, and flaky, and resembles that of the white oak. On' 

 the twigs it is reddish-brown and smooth. 



The winter buds are chestnut-brown and about 34 in. long. They are smaller 

 than those of the chestnut oak. 



The leaves are 4 to 7 in. long, and somewhat like the leaf of the chestnut oak, 

 except that the lobes are more pointed and curved like the teeth of a circular saw. 

 In outline they are half-way between the leaves of the chestnut oak and those of 

 the chestnut proper. The crowding of the leaves towards the ends of the twigs 

 gives the foliage a tufted look. 



The nut of the acorn is a light chestnut-brown, oval, H to J^ in. long; smaller 

 than those of the chestnut oak. The kernel is sweet. The cup is thin, downy 

 inside, and encloses one-half or less of the nut. The scales are knobby at the base 

 of the cup but towards the margin they become thinner and form a slight fringe 

 along the rim. 



In Canada this tree is confined to the southwestern part of Ontario, from 

 Niagara westward along the north shore of lake Brie, where it is found on hillsides 

 and bottom lands. 



QUERCUS PRINUS, Linn. CHESTNUT OAK 



Common names: Chestnut oak, rock oak. 

 French name: Chene prin. 



The chestnut oak is a small tree 35 to 40 ft. high and 1 to 2 ft. in diameter, but 

 when growing in a crowded forest condition will often reach a greater height. The 

 crown is broad and open. 



The bark, which is a very dark brown, does not flake but is roughened by deep 

 furrows forming firm, flat- topped ridges on medium-sized trees; on young trees and 

 branches it is smooth. 



